ICC to review security for Champions Trophy after Manchester attack

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Tuesday it will work with the relevant authorities to review security measures for the upcoming Champions Trophy and Women’s World Cup, after a deadly terrorist attack in Manchester sent shockwaves through the country.

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In a statement issued in the aftermath of the attack, the ICC said it will assess its security in line with the threat levels.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the horrific attack in Manchester. The ICC and ECB place safety and security at the ICC Champions Trophy and ICC Women’s World Cup this summer as the highest priority.

“We operate on advice from our Tournament Security Directorate – in conjunction with the ECB and relevant authorities – to ensure that we have a robust safety and security plan for both tournaments. We will continue to work with authorities over the coming hours and days and review our security in line with the threat levels,” the statement read.

“The security situation has been very much front and centre of our preparations and we constantly review our procedures to guarantee they are as effective as possible to keep everyone safe,” the ICC statement added.

London, Birmingham and Cardiff are the three venues which will host the ICC Champions Trophy matches in England and Wales from June 1-18.

At least 22 people, including some children, were killed and 59 wounded when a suicide bomber struck as thousands of fans streamed out of a concert by US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester late Monday night.

Police said the attacker detonated the explosives shortly after 21:33 GMT at Manchester Arena, which has the capacity to hold 21,000 people.

Britain remains on its second-highest alert level of “severe”, meaning an attack by militants is considered highly likely. British counter-terrorism police have said they are making on average an arrest every day in connection with suspected terrorism.